Topic
Parliamentary Procedure
9,520 speeches · 1,565 speakers
Party share
By the speaker's party · counts only, no scoring. "Unattributed" = speeches not resolved to an MP.
Most active on this topic
| # | Member | Speeches |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hon. Bimal Rathnayake, M.P. JJB | 955 |
| 2 | Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney at Law, M.P. SJB | 548 |
| 3 | Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna, M.P. Independent Group 17 - Jaffna | 403 |
| 4 | Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa, M.P. JJB | 403 |
| 5 | Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, M.P. NDF | 359 |
| 6 | Hon. Sajith Premadasa, M.P. SJB | 333 |
| 7 | Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri, M.P. SJB | 286 |
| 8 | Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka, M.P. SJB | 257 |
| 9 | Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, M.P. JJB | 210 |
| 10 | Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney at Law, M.P. JJB | 179 |
Speeches
9,520 on this topic- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake supported amendments to the Universities Act, No. 16 of 1978, arguing that the nearly five-decade-old framework must be updated to suit current educational needs. He said the amendments address university governance, particularly appointments to senior academic positions such as Deans and Heads of Departments, to reduce over-concentration of authority in the Vice Chancellor. He contrasted the present government’s mandate with the circumstances under which the 1978 Act was enacted and stated that the changes should serve the long-term interests of students and free education. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe, Deputy Minister of Labour, raised a Point of Order. No substantive argument, proposal, or policy issue was stated in the provided excerpt. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary A procedural motion was moved by Hon. Ravi Karunanayake proposing that Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera take the Chair. The motion was seconded, agreed to by the House, and the presiding member was accordingly replaced. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam raised a procedural point, stating that the Presiding Member should have indicated the time limit one minute earlier. He explained that he continued speaking because he expected to be informed. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam stated that his party, as the third largest in Parliament, has demands on the Government’s education reforms and may determine its position depending on whether the Ministry of Education responds to them. He clarified that although the party has not signed the No-confidence Motion against the reforms, it will decide its stance when the Motion is taken up. He also thanked the President for his speech in Jaffna and said parts of the Opposition were misrepresenting it on social media. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman UNP AI summary Hon. Jeevan Thondaman challenged claims about plantation wage increases, arguing that higher daily wages have been offset by increased plucking targets and asking the Labour Minister to investigate and issue a Gazette to prevent such practices. He defended the Saumyamoorthi Thondaman Memorial Foundation, citing its establishment in 2005 and comparing it with other memorial institutions, while rejecting criticism of its naming and family involvement. He also questioned government relief commitments to cyclone-affected hill country communities, especially landless and homeless people, and requested that Hansard correct a reference to “Mulloya Govindan.” Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa moved that Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi take the Chair. The House agreed to the motion, after which the Deputy Speaker left the Chair and Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi presided. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan raised a point of order objecting to another Member referring to him by name and allegedly making false statements about him in Parliament. He stated that he was elected independently and with integrity, noted his membership of the Constitutional Council, and requested an inquiry to establish the facts and ensure justice. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a Point of Order citing Standing Orders 92(2), 23(1) and (2), and the Members’ Code of Ethics. He referred to provisions prohibiting Members from voting on or participating in matters before Parliament or its Committees where they have a personal, financial, or pecuniary interest beyond that shared with the public. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Under Standing Order 92(2)(a), the Member raised a Point of Order alleging that the Minister of Health had misled Parliament. He stated that, after assuring in response to a question under Standing Order 27(2) that the Medical Officer at Akkaraipattu Base Hospital would not be transferred, the Minister later proceeded with the transfer. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana argued that the Bill’s provisions on university appointments and removals could increase political influence through Councils and Vice Chancellors, and urged safeguards for a depoliticized university system. He criticized recent education policy reversals, questioned UGC limits on recognition of new programmes by degree-awarding institutions, and said these restrictions reduce higher education opportunities and increase foreign exchange outflows. He also demanded accountability over the Grade 6 textbook controversy, asked whether the interim report had been tabled in Parliament, and questioned the use of Penal Code processes if the issue was minor. He further raised concerns about readiness for Grade 1 and education reforms, citing inadequate digital infrastructure, limited textbook printing and teacher training, and questioned phone-based school initiatives in light of international restrictions on phones and social media for children. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB AI summary Moving the Universities (Amendment) Bill for second reading on behalf of the Education Minister, the Minister said it seeks to improve university governance by introducing seniority-based procedures and term limits for Heads of Departments and by requiring removals to follow Council action on the Vice Chancellor’s recommendation under UGC-prescribed due process. He said the Bill would broaden eligibility for Deans beyond serving Heads of Departments to senior academic staff within faculties, with safeguards to protect Faculty Board primacy in removals. He cited consultations following the 2012 FUTA action and recent feedback from FUTA and academics as supporting the general direction of reforms to make university leadership more transparent, democratic, and accountable. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Requested one week to provide a reply to the question raised. Standing Order 27(2) Questions: Attorney-General Independence, Gold Jewellery Return Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara stated that the Government, including the President and its Members, is committed to protecting the independence of the Attorney General’s Department and all institutions while upholding the rule of law. Responding to concerns raised by the Leader of the Opposition and commentary on social media, he said he is accountable to the President for his ministerial responsibilities and would not act on unverified allegations, but assured that action would be taken against offences regardless of position or status. Standing Order 27(2) Questions: Attorney-General Independence, Gold Jewellery Return Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary The Leader of the Opposition requested an additional 15 seconds to conclude his remarks. No substantive policy point, proposal, or question was included in this excerpt. Standing Order 27(2) Questions: Attorney-General Independence, Gold Jewellery Return Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa stated that the person referred to was not involved in the matter under discussion. He added that Minister Wijitha Herath, who was present in the House, was also not involved. Standing Order 27(2) Questions: Attorney-General Independence, Gold Jewellery Return Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa clarified that his remarks were not directed at Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa and stated that the Minister was not involved in the matter under discussion. He emphasized that he had not mentioned the Minister’s name and that the issue did not concern the Minister’s website. Standing Order 27(2) Questions: Attorney-General Independence, Gold Jewellery Return Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe indicated that he was raising a question. No substantive details, policy issue, or proposal are provided in the excerpt. Standing Order 27(2) Questions: Attorney-General Independence, Gold Jewellery Return Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa, Leader of the Opposition, briefly indicated his intention to proceed with asking a question. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or demand was stated in the excerpt provided. Standing Order 27(2) Questions: Attorney-General Independence, Gold Jewellery Return Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa indicated he would conclude his remarks and begin setting out a proposal. The provided excerpt does not include the substance of the proposal or any specific policy, legislative, or procedural demand. Standing Order 27(2) Questions: Attorney-General Independence, Gold Jewellery Return Read →